A Real Paige Patterson Post

The folks over on SBC Outpost have dedicated today's discussion to this enigmatic leader of the Fundamentalist Takeover of the SBC. I have never met nor seen Paige Patterson - I know of him only by reputation and anecdote. To the fundamentalists in the SBC, he is the hero of the revolution. To the conservatives and moderates, he is an agent of the devil that divided a denomination. Regardless of one's stand, usually he will illicit a strong reaction.

I thought it was an interesting testament to his power, James Hunt posts on SBC Outpost that he had Patterson sign his Bible. I am not sure if it is heretical, but there is something creepy about having someone "sign" your Bible like its Barry Bonds or something. (I do not mean a gift Bible's dedication, but this was like post-sermon autograph session)

This post made me bemoan the tremendous amount of time, energy and resources spent in Baptist life playing politics. Think about all the mission dollars spent on non-biblical initiatives - like monitoring blogs and political power plays. While we claim not to use the episkopos, I think Baptists might have more bishops and rely more on the network of episkopos than other hierarchical traditions. Try getting a job with out the blessing of the episkopos. He might not have a title and a "funny" hat, but he is as or more influential than the Catholic, Anglican or Methodist bishops. How many placements has Patterson made?

I feel naive, but it seems like Baptist life is less concerned with evangelism and mission than with star power and politics. We anoint the youngest "preaching superstars" and then the good-ole-boy network makes sure he gets in the right places. This is done with little regard to theology, morality or ethics.